Search Results (237)

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a critical period for the early detection of metabolic syndrome (MetS), a condition that increases the risk of cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood. Timely identification of at-risk adolescents enables targeted prevention strategies. This study aimed to analyze the discriminative capacity and accuracy of six biochemical and/or anthropometric indices related to lipid metabolism and adiposity for the early detection of MetS in a sample of Spanish adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out according to the STROBE guidelines. A sample of 981 adolescents aged 11–16 years old were randomly recruited from schools in Southeastern Spain. The presence or absence of MetS was determined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. The following biochemical and/or anthropometric indices were evaluated: triglyceride glucose index, visceral adiposity index, logarithm children’s lipid accumulation product, triglyceride glucose-body mass index, triglyceride glucose-waist circumference, and triglyceride glucose-waist-to-hip ratio. Results: The triglyceride glucose-waist-to-hip ratio and triglyceride glucose-body mass index parameters were the strongest indicators associated with MetS in boys and girls, respectively, after adjusting for several factors. Moreover, all evaluated indices showed optimal AUC values, with the visceral adiposity index and triglyceride glucose-waist circumference index exhibiting the highest discriminative capacity in both genders. Conclusions: The evaluated biochemical and anthropometric indices—particularly visceral adiposity index and triglyceride-glucose-waist circumference—show promise as accessible biomarkers for identifying adolescents at metabolic risk. These indices may serve as practical tools in preventive health strategies aimed at improving metabolic health by screening adolescents at risk of MetS, thereby helping to reduce the future burden of non-communicable diseases. Full article

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions, including obesity, insulin resistance (IR), dyslipidemia, and hypertension, that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). While studied often in adults, the increasing prevalence of MetS in children and adolescents underscores the need for its early detection and intervention. Among various biomarkers, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) has gained substantial attention due to its associations with metabolic health and disease. This review provides a comprehensive overview of SHBG and its association with MetS, with a focus on the pediatric and adolescent population. The interplay between SHBG, puberty, and metabolic risk factors is explored, including racial and ethnic variations. SHBG plays a crucial role in transporting sex hormones and regulating their bioavailability and has been found to correlate inversely with obesity and IR, two key components of MetS. Puberty represents a critical period during which hormonal changes and metabolic shifts may further influence SHBG levels and metabolic health. Understanding SHBG’s role in early metabolic risk detection could provide novel insights into the prevention and management of MetS. Full article

Obesity-related low-grade inflammation is a significant factor responsible for the development of metabolic syndrome and chronic diseases, which can begin even in early childhood. Recently, there has been growing interest in the impact of vitamin D3 supplementation on inflammatory markers in overweight and obese individuals; however, findings remain inconsistent. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review to assess the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on inflammatory markers in overweight and obese children and adolescents, focused exclusively on the analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. The results of this study were synthesized and reported following the PRISMA statement. A total of 294 citations were identified through electronic literature searches, of which two RCTs were finally included in our systematic review. We found that vitamin D3 supplementation did not affect the changes in C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), but led to a decrease in leptin levels. The small number of studies meeting the inclusion criteria for our systematic review limits the value of the presented results, but also indicates the need for in-depth research on this topic. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescence increases chronic disease risk in adulthood. No study has explored the combined effects of skeletal muscle strength and dietary patterns in MetS. This study aimed to examine the individual and combined effects of dietary patterns and HGS on MetS and its components in Korean adolescents. Methods: Using the 2014–2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, a weighted sample of approximately 3.75 million adolescents was included. Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis. Relative handgrip strength (HGS) was calculated. Multivariable logistic regression and relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) were used to assess dietary patterns, HGS, and MetS, stratified by sex and adjusted for age, smoking, alcohol consumption, economic status, residential area, and physical activity. Results: Low HGS was independently associated with a high odds of developing MetS in both men (OR, 1.108; 95% CI, 1.038–1.182) and women (OR, 1.128; 95% CI, 1.047–1.216). In contrast, dietary pattern alone was not significantly associated with MetS. Men with both low HGS and unhealthy dietary patterns (processed fat or Western diet) had higher odds of developing MetS, even though the interaction was sub-additive, as indicated by negative RERI values (processed fat: −0.22; Western diet: −0.11). Conclusions: Low HGS was a significant risk factor for MetS in Korean adolescents. Although no synergistic interaction was observed, low HGS remained a significant independent risk factor for MetS, underscoring the need to promote muscular strength in adolescents even in the absence of an unhealthy diet. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) constitute a large proportion of the daily energy intake of Europeans, particularly among children and adolescents. High UPFs consumption is associated with poor dietary quality and adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine whether high UPFs consumption is associated with metabolic health in children, adolescents, and adults, using data from the I.Family study. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis (2013/2014) included 2285 participants: 147 children (6–9 years), 645 adolescents (10–19 years), and 1493 adults (≥20 years). For the children and adolescents, a metabolic syndrome (MetS) z-score was calculated, consisting of age- and sex-standardized z-scores of WC, HOMA index, HDL-C, TRG, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). For the adults, MetS was defined according to the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation Task Force and other societies. The participants completed at least one 24 h recall, from which their UPFs consumption was estimated using the NOVA classification. The consumption levels were divided into age- and sex-specific quintiles based on the relative energy contribution of these foods. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations between UPFs consumption and MetS or its components. Results: No statistically significant associations were found between UPFs consumption and MetS or its components in any age group. The effect sizes were negligible across the quintiles (η² = 0.0065 in children, 0.015 in adolescents, and 0.0009 in adults). While the mean MetS score showed little variation, the prevalence of MetS scores above the 90th percentile increased in the highest UPFs quintile among the children. The diet quality decreased with increasing UPFs consumption. Conclusions: UPFs consumption was not associated with MetS or its components across the age groups. However, a decline in diet quality was observed with increasing UPFs intake, highlighting the importance of public health strategies to reduce UPFs consumption and improve dietary patterns, particularly among younger populations. Full article

Background: Currently, there is a lack of data regarding the reliability of different anthropometric, instrumental, and biochemical indexes in detecting metabolic syndrome (MetS) in pediatric patients with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Therefore, this study aimed to compare the accuracy of different indices to identify the simplest and most accurate predictor of MetS in this at-risk population. Methods: We conducted a multicenter study involving 124 children and adolescents with PWS (61 males and 63 females), aged 13.6 ± 3.7 years. For each participant, we assessed all components of MetS, defined according to either the Identification and prevention of Dietary- and lifestyle-induced health EFfects In Children and infantS (IDEFICS) study or the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, based on age. The following indexes were calculated: Body Mass Index (BMI), BMI standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), tri-ponderal mass index, body mass fat index, fat mass index, fat-free mass index, body shape index, visceral adiposity index, waist-to-height ratio, cardiometabolic index, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, and triglycerides/HDL-C (TG/HDL-C) ratio. Results: MetS was identified in 24 subjects (9 females and 15 males), representing 19.4% of the sample. When comparing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the TG/HDL-C ratio and cardiometabolic index demonstrated significantly better performance than the other indices in detecting MetS, with no difference between the two. As a result, we focused on the TG/HDL-C ratio since it is the simplest measure, requiring no additional anthropometric data compared to the cardiometabolic index. Additionally, applying age- and gender-specific thresholds can further improve its accuracy. Conclusions: The TG/HDL-C ratio, which requires only two standard biochemical markers, provides the same accuracy as more complex indexes in detecting MetS in children and adolescents with PWS, making it the optimal predictor for MetS in this population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lurasidone ((3aR,4S,7R,7aS)-2-{(1R,2R)-2-[4-(1,2-benzisothiazol-3-yl)piperazin-1-ylmethyl]cyclohexylmethyl}hexahydro-4,7-methano-2H-isoindole-1,3-dione) is a second-generation antipsychotic approved for schizophrenia and mood disorders. Adolescents and children with bipolar disorder receive treatments that expose them to weight gain and metabolic syndrome. Lurasidone is relatively free from such side effects, so it may constitute a useful alternative for the treatment of these patients. We focused on the use of lurasidone in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. Methods: On 11 June 2025, we used the following strategy on PubMed: lurasidone AND (“bipolar disorder” OR “bipolar depression” OR mania OR manic). We filtered for humans and ages 0–18 years and included case reports and clinical studies. Similar strategies adapted to each database were used to carry out our systematic review on CINAHL, PsycINFO/PsycARTICLES, Scopus, and the ClinicalTrials.gov register on the same date. We excluded reports without children/adolescent participants, those grouping adult participants with children/adolescents without providing data separately, reviews, and opinions/editorials with no data. Eligibility was determined through Delphi rounds; it was required that consensus was reached among all authors. We followed the PRISMA-2020 Statement. Results: Our search produced 38 results on PubMed on 11 June 2025. We included four case reports/series and five studies. One additional eligible study emerged from our Scopus inquiry, raising the number of eligible studies to six. One case series was moderately positive; one case report was neutral, another was positive, and one reported the induction of mania. The six longitudinal studies involved 16,735 participants and showed generally good efficacy. Conclusions: The use of lurasidone in adolescents/children with bipolar disorder obtains favorable results regarding the excitatory and depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder with no significant side effects. Full article

Bacground/Objectives: Obesity in adolescents is escalating, accompanied by comorbidities such as insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease, which favor the early onset of metabolic syndrome (MetS). There is an urgent need for effective interventions to prevent and treat MetS. We aimed to analyze intervention studies targeting lifestyle improvements in adolescents with obesity. We also determined the effect of combining dietary and/or physical activity interventions with educational, psychological, and emotional support-based interventions compared to traditional interventions in preventing MetS in adolescents with obesity. Methods: The PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Scopus databases were consulted. Ten clinical trials were included in the systematic review, of which six were eligible for the meta-analysis. Results: Combined interventions significantly decreased body weight (−1.10 [−1.64, −0.55], p < 0.001). Although not statistically significant improvements were observed in the meta-analysis for zBMI and waist circumference. The results indicate that diet- and exercise-based interventions are associated with a further decrease in body composition and non-anthropometric variables associated with MetS when combined with educational, psychological, and behavioral interventions. Conclusions: Some studies suggest potential long-term benefits, but further research is necessary to define effective interventions for improving body composition and preventing MetS in obese adolescents, addressing the inconsistencies in current clinical trials. Systematic Review Registration (PROSPERO CRD42023463428). Full article

Background: Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern. Metabolomics, the comprehensive study of metabolites within biological systems, offers a powerful approach to better define the phenotype and understand the complex biochemical alterations associated with obesity. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize current knowledge in the field of metabolomics in childhood obesity and to identify metabolic signatures or biomarkers associated with overweight/obesity (Ov/Ob) and Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity (MUO) in children and adolescents. Methods: We performed a systematic search of Medline and Scopus databases according to PRISMA guidelines. We included only longitudinal prospective studies or randomized controlled trials with ≥12 months of follow-up, as well as meta-analyses of the above that assessed the relation between metabolic signatures related to obesity and Body Mass Index (BMI) or other measures of adiposity in children and adolescents aged 2–19 years with overweight or obesity. Initially, 595 records were identified from PubMed and 1565 from Scopus. After removing duplicates and screening for relevance, 157 reports were assessed for eligibility. From the additional search, 75 new records were retrieved, of which none were eligible for our study. Finally, 7 reports were included in the present systematic review (4 reporting on Ov/Ob and 4 on MUO). Results: The presented studies suggest that the metabolism of amino acids and lipids is primarily affected by childhood obesity. Metabolites like glycoprotein acetyls, the Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A-1 ratio, and lactate have emerged as potential biomarkers for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, highlighting their potential value in clinical applications. Conclusions: There is a need for future longitudinal studies to assess metabolic changes over time, interventional studies to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic strategies, and large-scale population studies to explore metabolic diversity across different demographics. Our findings reveal specific biomarkers in the amino acid and lipid pathway that may serve as early indicators of childhood obesity and its associated cardiometabolic complications. Full article

Background: Severe obesity in children and adolescents presents a particular health burden due to high prevalence of complications and comorbidities, including metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of MAFLD in Polish children and adolescents with severe obesity, and assess its relation to anthropometric profiles and metabolic risk factors. Patients and Methods: In 212 children and adolescents with severe obesity (aged 3–18 years), physical examination, body composition, liver ultrasound (US), and biochemical assessment were performed. MAFLD was diagnosed based on the presence of steatosis in US and/or persistently elevated alanine aminotransferase concentration. Results: MAFLD was present in 125 (59.0%) patients. Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) was diagnosed among 57.5% of patients without MAFLD, and in 66.5% of patients with MAFLD (p > 0.05). Impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and high HOMA-IR occurred more frequently in MAFLD than in non-MAFLD patients (p < 0.05). In the MAFLD group, a higher number of patients with ≥4 components of MetS were observed than in the non-MAFLD group (33.6% vs. 12.6%, p = 0.0004). Conclusions: The prevalence of MAFLD among children and adolescents with severe obesity was 59%. These patients are characterised by more pronounced insulin resistance and higher number of MetS components. Full article

Pediatric obesity is associated with a wide range of comorbidities beyond metabolic changes, affecting cardiovascular, endocrine, reproductive, musculoskeletal systems, and also mental health. Hypertension, commonly observed in children with obesity, increases the risk of long-term cardiovascular disease. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) presents another significant endo-reproductive challenge that often develops during adolescence in females, leading to further comorbidities in adulthood. Additionally, excess adiposity can negatively impact bone health by modifying bone metabolism and increasing fracture risk. Obesity is also strongly linked to mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which can further exacerbate unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and disorders. Given the limitations and poor adherence of traditional treatment strategies, nutraceuticals have emerged as potential complementary therapies due to their bioactive properties. Various compounds have demonstrated antihypertensive, insulin-sensitizing, and anti-inflammatory effects, while others support bone metabolism and promote mental well-being. Herewith, we discuss the role of nutraceuticals in managing hypertension, PCOS, bone health, and mental health issues in individuals with obesity, evaluating their mechanisms of action and clinical relevance. Integrating nutraceutical compounds with dietary and lifestyle interventions may improve treatment outcomes and prevent obesity-related comorbidities. Further, we emphasize the need for further large-scale clinical studies, especially in pediatric patients. Full article

Psoriasis and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are chronic autoimmune diseases sharing common immunological pathways, particularly the involvement of interleukin 17 (IL-17), driving Th17-mediated inflammation. This review explores the overlap between psoriasis, obesity, T1DM, and necrobiosis lipoidica (NL), a skin condition associated with diabetes. Obesity exacerbates inflammation through immune cell activation in adipose tissue and the release of proinflammatory adipokines, such as leptin, resistin, and IL-18, which enhance autoimmune responses and insulin resistance. Leptin promotes the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells, which are central to autoimmune responses in both psoriasis and T1DM. The coexistence of psoriasis, T1DM, and insulin resistance further complicates metabolic control, increasing the risk of complications like diabetic nephropathy and cardiovascular disease. Biologic treatments targeting IL-17A and IL-17F offer promising therapeutic options for managing both skin and metabolic symptoms. The early identification and management of metabolic risk factors, along with personalized interventions, are essential to improve clinical outcomes in patients with psoriasis and T1DM, particularly in obese individuals. This case report and review highlight the complex interplay of these conditions and emphasize the need for integrated treatment strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: One of the metabolic complications of obesity is known as Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). This narrative review aims to synthesize current research on MetS in young populations, identify knowledge gaps, and guide future studies and funding priorities. It provides evidence-based insights into screening, diagnosis, and treatment, offering practical guidance for healthcare professionals. Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies on obesity in MetS in PubMed and Google Academic electronic database. The search was performed using a combination of “obesity”, “complications”, “metabolic syndrome”, “children”, and “adolescents” keywords. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure relevance and methodological rigor. Results: The lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria for MetS in children has led to inconsistencies in its definition across medical literature. Irrespective of the chosen diagnostic approach, the prevalence of MetS in children and adolescents has exhibited a concurrent rise with the increasing rates of obesity in this age group. The pathophysiology of MetS remains incompletely understood, with ongoing discussions on the interplay of genetic, epigenetic, environmental, dietary, and lifestyle factors. Screening for MetS is recommended for overweight and obese children. Conclusions: Establishing global, consensus-driven criteria that account for ethnicity, gender, and age would enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment approaches. The prevention of excessive weight among children and adolescents stands as a paramount objective within modern society’s healthcare system. Considering the complexity of the disease and the treatment, the team must be multidisciplinary. Full article

Background: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are increasingly prevalent among children and adolescents with obesity, posing significant long-term metabolic and cardiovascular risks. Non-invasive identification of at-risk individuals is crucial for a timely intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and its modified versions, TyG-body mass index (TyG-BMI) and TyG-waist circumference (TyG-WC), in predicting MASLD and MetS in a large cohort of children and adolescents with obesity. Methods: A total of 758 children and adolescents with obesity (454 females, 304 males; mean age 14.8 ± 2.1 years; mean BMI 37.9 ± 6.2 kg/m²) were included. MASLD was diagnosed via ultrasonography, while MetS was defined using International Diabetes Federation criteria. TyG, TyG-WC, and TyG-BMI were calculated for all participants. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these indexes, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Results: MASLD was detected in 38.9% of participants, with a higher prevalence in males (p < 0.0001). MetS was present in 27.8% of the cohort, with higher prevalence in males (p < 0.0001). Among the indexes, TyG-WC exhibited the highest sensitivity for MASLD (77.6%), whereas TyG-BMI had the highest specificity (63.3%). In predicting MetS, all three indexes performed better than for MASLD, with TyG demonstrating the highest PPV (54.5%) and TyG-BMI the highest NPV (87.5%). Predictive performance was lower in males than females, potentially due to sex-specific differences in fat distribution and metabolic response. Conclusions: TyG, TyG-WC, and TyG-BMI are promising, non-invasive tools for identifying children and adolescents with obesity at risk for MASLD and MetS. The superior sensitivity of TyG-WC and the high specificity of TyG-BMI highlight the value of incorporating anthropometric parameters into metabolic screening. Integrating these indexes into routine clinical practice may enhance early detection, allowing for timely intervention and personalized management strategies, ultimately reducing the long-term burden of metabolic and liver diseases in pediatric populations. Full article

The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity not only in adults but also among children and adolescents has become one of the most alarming health problems worldwide. Metabolic disorders accompanying fat accumulation during pathological weight gain induce chronic low-grade inflammation, which, in a vicious cycle, increases the immune response through pro-inflammatory changes in the cytokine (adipokine) profile. Obesity decreases life expectancy, largely because obese individuals are at an increased risk of many medical complications, often referred to as metabolic syndrome, which refers to the co-occurrence of insulin resistance (IR), impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes (T2D), atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension, and premature ischemic heart disease. Metabotropic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the most numerous and diverse group of cell surface transmembrane receptors in eukaryotes. Among the GPCRs, researchers are focusing on the connection of G protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120), also known as free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4), with signaling pathways regulating the inflammatory response and insulin sensitivity. This review presents the current state of knowledge concerning the involvement of GPR120 in anti-inflammatory and metabolic signaling. Since both inflammation in adipose tissue and insulin resistance are key problems in obesity, there is a rationale for the development of novel, GPR120-based therapies for overweight and obese individuals. The main problems associated with introducing this type of treatment into clinical practice are also discussed. Full article